Air Force JAG School starts new course Published April 13, 2015 By Senior Airman William J. Blankenship 42nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The Air Force Judge Advocate General's School recently added a new course to its curriculum in conjunction with the Wing and Group Commanders Course at the Ira C. Eaker Center for Professional Development. The Senior Officer Legal Orientation Course, a two-day advanced legal course for commanders, is now fully operational after several months in development. "We looked at what the Army and Navy had done with their commanders courses and, in conjunction with our headquarters in D.C., developed a program that will help prepare commanders for the range of legal matters," said Maj. Laura DeSio, Judge Advocate General School, course director and professional outreach division instructor. "The first day focuses on military justice. We take the students through a case study that encompasses every step in the court-martial process. That day is also attended by a senior mentor who shares leadership experiences that emerge during the process. The final day is focused on civil law focused, and looks at base-level situations they will encounter while in command." The course was approved by the Air Force chief of staff to orient wing, vice and group commanders to exercise the duties that are given to them by the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Five classes will meet yearly; the first was in February 2015, with the second taking place April 9-10. Class sizes range from 72-79 lieutenant colonels and colonels, preparing them for situations they may encounter in their future leadership roles. "Students will leave with knowledge and experience that they can add to their toolbox as they enter into command," said DeSio. "The other reason that we do this is to show other issues that may pop up, and they will have a better understanding of what the staff judge advocate does and when they might go to them." Students will get a look into both sides of a case, the accuser and the accused. This is designed to better equip commanders through potential situations. "We talk about lawful and unlawful influence," she said. "While a commander may not be involved in every single step, it will greatly help that person to see the entire process to better understand what the options are. It is important to see the big picture and utilize the powers at the commander's disposal."